MOPED WITH SELF-SUPPORTING FRAME

Abstract: The invention relates to a moped, motor-cycle or similar vehicle with a self-supporting frame consisting of three or more parts, a longitudinal, central plate (1) and two outer chassis parts (2, 3) which three parts are joined together. According to the invention the central plate (1) continues past and in front of the vehicle's handlebar (7). The handlebar (7) is braced also laterally, in front of the outer chassis parts (2, 3), against said parts by means of at least one handlebar section (9) or brace. The rear-wheel fork (14) of the vehicle is also secured in the outer chassis parts (2, 3), which are in turn connected to the central plate (1).

Description: Moped with self-supporting frame Technical field: The present invention relates to a moped, motor-cycle or similar vehicle with a self-supporting frame consisting of at least three parts, a longitudinal, central plate and two outer chassis parts, which three parts are joined together. Background art: Traditionally mopeds, motor-cycles or similar vehicles are manufactured with a tubular frame to which the motor and other parts, suspension, steering and some plastic covers, are screwed. The tubular frame is the load- bearing element. In principle the same old method is used as in the olden days in automobile manufacturing in USA, for instance, i.e. a separate frame to which the chassis is bolted, or as in the manufacture of boats, with a plurality of ribs covered with shell plating. A vehicle manufactured in this way becomes expensive at today's level of costs. In view of the plans to raise the maximum speed permitted for mopeds to that permitted in EU countries, an increase is expected in the number of such vehicles and also in the demands on mopeds and motor-cycles. Mopeds, for instance, are expected to gain competitively in relation to automobiles. One problem with such vehicles is that the lateral rigidity is often low, and may result in wobbling or loss of control. Summary of the invention: The invention aims at a solution to these and other similar problems and is characterised in that the central plate continues past and in front of a handlebar pertaining to the vehicle, and that the handlebar is braced also laterally, inside the outer chassis parts, against said parts by means of at least one handlebar section or brace, and that the rear-wheel fork of the vehicle is also secured in the outer chassis parts, which are in turn connected at the rear to the central plate. A moped or motor-cycle provided with such a self-supporting frame requires few parts, has suitable torsional rigidity, suitable section modulus and, not least, an attractive appearance, as well as being inexpensive to manufacture and of high quality. The entire sides (outer chassis parts), from the front lamp to the rear light, are moulded in one piece. The central plate contains motor, suspension, steering, etc., but is not itself self-supporting although together with the outer chassis parts it forms a self-supporting frame construction supporting the other parts of the moped. The vehicle is provided at the handlebar with one or two handlebar sections or braces, located inside the outer chassis parts and is connected to these, thereby giving the vehicle considerably increased rigidity. The rear- wheel fork is secured in the outer chassis parts, which in turn are connected at the rear to the central plate. This further increases rigidity, for instance between the rear and front parts of the vehicle, giving considerably increased safety. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the vehicle is provided with a tank ledge, connected both to the central plate and the outer chassis parts - another measure that increases safety. The three frame parts (out chassis parts and central plate) are bolted together around the entire periphery. The three parts are also held together at, for instance, the motor attachments, pedals and suspension attachments. The outer chassis parts are manufactured by means of compression moulding in one operation, for instance by means of flex-moulding, i.e. in a press having one fixed tool half and one flexible tool half, comprising a rubber half and a rubber membrane against which hydraulic pressure is applied. Pressures of up to 20000 psi are possible. The tool parts in the press may be made of wood, plastic, "kirksite", aluminium, etc. and are easy to manufacture and to replace. An inexpensive prototype series is easily obtained. Brief description of the drawings: Figure 1 shows a moped with a frame according to the invention, seen from the side, and Figure 2 the same moped, seen from above. Figure 3 shows the reinforcement of the handlebar according to the invention, and Figure 4 the attachment of the rear-wheel fork. Figure 5 shows part of the vehicle in perspective. Preferred embodiment: Figures 1-2 illustrate a moped with a self-supporting frame according to the invention. The frame consists of a central plate (1) and two outer chassis parts (2, 3), joined together by means of bolted joints, suitably around the entire periphery and, for instance, at the rear-wheel attachments (4), preferably in combination with pedals (5), at the handlebar attachments and at at least two motor attachments, possibly at additional points also. The outer chassis parts (2, 3) are produced by means of compression moulding in one operation, for instance by means of flex-moulding (see above). Figure 3 shows the reinforcement of the handlebar (7). The front forks are shown at (8) and reinforcement of the handlebar (7) is effected by means of one or more handlebar sections (9), secured to and located inside the outer chassis parts (2, 3). The central plate (1) extends past and in front of the handlebar (7). The increased rigidity obtained with this arrangement is considerable. The rear-wheel fork (14) according to Figure 4 is connected to the outer chassis parts (2, 3), which are in turn connected to the central plate (1). This is a further reinforcing measure. The engine can be attached to or on an engine ledge (13) and a tank ledge (11), with extension (12), is connected close to the handlebar (7) and connected both to the central plate (1) and the parts (2, 3). Figure 5 is a view in perspective of the front-wheel forks (8) and central plate (1) with adjacent parts. Figure 3 is a section along the line A-A in Figure 5, and Figure 4 is a section along the line B-B in Figure 5. The tank ledge (11) and its attachment is also shown in Figure 5. The arrangement described above can be varied in many ways within the scope of the following claims, such as by the use of riveted joints instead of bolted joints.

Claims: C L A I M S 1. A moped, motor-cycle or similar vehicle with a self-supporting frame consisting of at least three parts, a longitudinal, central plate (1) and two outer chassis parts (2, 3), which three parts are joined together, characterised in that the central plate (1) continues past and in front of a handlebar (7) pertaining to the vehicle, and that the handlebar (7) is braced also laterally, inside the outer chassis parts (2, 3), against said parts by means of a handlebar section (9) or brace, and that the rear- wheel fork (14) of the vehicle is also secured in the outer chassis parts (2, 3), which are in turn connected to the central plate (1). 2. A moped, etc. as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the outer chassis parts (2, 3), as well as the handlebar section(s) (9) are connected to the central plate (1), by means of bolts, for instance. 3. A moped as claimed in claims 1-2, characterised in that the moped, etc. is provided with a tank ledge (11), connected both to the central plate (1) and the outer chassis parts (2, 3).

Inventors: OELMEFORS GOERAN, OELMEFORS, GOERAN
Applicants: OELMEFORS GOERAN, OELMEFORS, GOERAN
Application year: 1994
Main classification: B62K11
IPC codes: B62K11, B62K19